Cephalohematoma has a distinctive appearance, but its effects are usually only cosmetic. However, in some situations, the condition might lead to complications that can threaten an infant’s health. Cephalohematoma can also signify severe underlying injuries that may cause disabilities or even death. Continue reading to learn more about this condition.
What Is a Cephalohematoma?
Cephalohematoma is a disfiguring condition where blood pools between the scalp and skull. The pooled blood leaks from broken blood vessels in the baby’s scalp. It occurs during birth, leaving your infant with a visibly disfiguring injury. This swelling typically appears as a soft, raised bump on the baby’s head and may take weeks or months to fully resolve.
Cephalohematoma Symptoms
Cephalohematomas can cause noticeable and sometimes concerning changes to a newborn’s head.
Symptoms typically follow a recognizable pattern:
Visible and Physical Changes
A soft, raised, egg-shaped bump on the top or back of the infant’s head. The mass may feel spongy due to pooled blood beneath the scalp. Discoloration, such as redness or bruising, occurs over the affected area.
Progression Over Time
The mass may harden as the blood inside begins to clot. An uneven breakdown of the clot can temporarily make the infant’s head appear misshapen. Once the body fully absorbs the blood, the head usually returns to a normal shape.
Potential complications
Complications may occur, such as:
- Anemia: Caused by significant blood loss into the scalp
- Jaundice: May develop as the liver processes excess blood products
- Calcification: In rare cases, the mass hardens before it can be absorbed, leaving a permanent lump on the skull
While most cases resolve on their own, it’s important to monitor symptoms and consult a doctor to rule out complications.
Causes of Cephalohematoma
Cephalohematoma often happens due to rough handling during delivery.
For example, the following events can cause a cephalohematoma to form:
- Use of a suction device to assist delivery
- Use of forceps to grasp the infant’s head during labor
As the tool pulls across the baby’s skull, it can break the blood vessels under the scalp, leading to the bleeding that produces the mass. The appearance of a cephalohematoma after birth should be taken seriously. The instrument that broke the blood vessels might have also damaged other structures.
For example, cephalohematoma might co-occur with nerve damage or a skull fracture. Nerve damage can permanently deprive the child of sensation and movement of the scalp. A skull fracture can lead to brain damage, coma, or even death.
Liability for Cephalohematoma
Determining who is responsible for a cephalohematoma depends on how the injury occurred. In some cases, it may be considered a natural risk of childbirth. However, if it was caused by improper medical care, a healthcare provider may be liable for medical malpractice.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a doctor, nurse, or other provider fails to use reasonable care during treatment. To prove malpractice, an attorney must show more than just a bad outcome. The key is proving that the provider acted negligently by not meeting the standard of care expected of a reasonably skilled professional in the same situation.
Examples of Potential Liability
A doctor may not be liable if:
- You had weak contractions, and the doctor used a suction device properly to assist in delivery.
- The injury was within the range of normal outcomes for that type of birth.
A doctor may be liable if:
- Forceps were used unnecessarily or too early in the delivery process.
- The provider used the device incorrectly, causing trauma that a reasonably careful doctor could have avoided.
Whether or not a provider is liable depends on the specific circumstances and whether their actions fell below the accepted medical standard of care during delivery.
Contact the Austin Personal Injury Attorneys at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Although cephalohematomas usually heal themselves, a child who develops one will have experienced an unnecessarily painful birth. Doctor’s appointments may be needed to monitor the cephalohematoma as it heals, resulting in medical bills that can put a strain on your finances.
In some situations, cephalohematoma can have life-altering consequences or even cause death. In these cases, you can count on the Austin personal injury lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
For help pursuing compensation after you are injured by a reckless driver, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
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